Vehicle Description
Here's an extremely clean 1972 Plymouth Duster 340 Tribute that is
ready for immediate enjoyment by its next owner. A California car
for most of its life, this car is extremely solid and has been well
maintained over the years by its meticulous owners. Better yet, the
42,492 miles showing on the odometer are believed to be original
(albeit undocumented) but once you start looking the car over
you'll likely start siding with the current owner's belief that the
mileage is indeed correct.
By 1972, the government and insurance companies had driven the last
nail into the muscle car's coffin, but Chrysler stuck to a classic
formula that won over hearts and minds for decades - big engine,
small car, and light body - and created the Duster 340. This
particular example, however, isn't some smog-strangled stocker, but
rather a dialed-in Mopar hot rod that speaks relatively softly and
carries a very big stick. And while the Duster was technically an
economy car, this one has had a big pile of money spent getting it
into fighting shape, both externally and under the hood. Flashy
graphics with '340 Wedge' callouts on the hood and rear flanks
advertise in a big, bold, Mopar way, and both a chin spoiler and
rear Go-Wing have been added to give this Duster a definite boost
in the attitude department. The white and black decals do a
wonderful job of brightening the somewhat muted factory Code GY9
Tawny Gold Metallic, and the finish is very strong and above driver
quality, laid down smoothly over the super straight bodywork. And
for a '72 Duster, this one must have been pretty clean to begin
with (California tends to be very kind on cars, especially low
ownership, low mileage beauties like this), which is a rare thing
all on its own. The grille is great shape, the chrome is good all
around (although a light buff on the bumpers is overdue), and out
back the revised taillights look practically new.
The economic and utilitarian theme continues inside with a newer
black split-bench seat interior, complete with plush carpets below,
a taut headliner above, and matching door panels that adorned with
the same wood grain appliques found on the dash. Sure, the carpets
might be a little more plush than original, but nobody complains
about an upgrade, and even as a value-priced entry, this Duster
comes complete with a full array of informative gauges set inside
the factory bezel. The original AM radio is still in its upturned
niche in the dash, but you'll likely prefer to use the JVC AM/FM/CD
stereo unit installed underneath when you want some entertainment.
The rest is street-fighter basic: crank windows, a standard 3-spoke
steering wheel, and only a heater and defroster, but that's
entirely the point here. Go fast on a budget was its motto then,
and it still holds true today, offering a ton of bang for the buck.
Out back, the trunk is surprisingly spacious and come equipped with
a correct mat and spare tire/jack set combination.
Originally born with a 318 V8, this scrappy MOPAR was upgraded with
some big muscle by way of a built 340 V8 date-coded for a 1969
model. The 1972 340 was only rated at 240 horsepower (which was
actually still quite a lot for an 'economy' car), but this upgraded
1969 mill used here offers considerably more pop to the wheels.
With matching 'X' heads, stainless-steel valves, Keith Black
pistons (bored .020 over), a Mopar 'Purple camshaft', and an
Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor atop a Mopar aluminum intake, it
cackles like a proper Trans-Am racer, not your mom's
grocery-getter. Supporting equipment includes a big Modine
radiator, a Mopar electronic ignition, and HP exhaust manifolds
which flow into a fresh dual exhaust system with polished oval tips
peeking out under the rear bumper. A quick ratio steering box and
front disc brakes were added during the build, and a quick-shifting
904 3-speed automatic that was fully rebuilt handles all level of
shifts. Out back, an 8.75-inch rear has been fitted 3.23 Sure Grip
gears inside a 489 case, and underneath the suspension is
completely upgraded with MOOG parts everywhere you look, including
new shocks, bushings, tie rods, ball joints, control arms, pitman
rods, etc. And thanks to the lightweight package and a new Flaming
River steering box, handling is impressive. 14-inch stock Rally
wheels offer a classic performance look and wear BFGoodrich T/A
white-letter radials that finish off the look.
Big advertising means you'd better be able to deliver the goods
when the light turns green, and this Duster 340 Tribute has all the
right equipment. Call today!